What are the benefits of the changes in land use?

The urban air temperature is gradually rising in all cities in the world. One of the possible causes is the drastic reduction in the greenery area in cities. It means that land use planning becomes critical in determining the environment quality. This study tries to investigate and identify land use types which have the most influence to the increase of ambient temperature in Singapore. The data were analyzed by utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Both the qualitative and quantitative analysis results show that the land usage will influence urban temperature. In the daytime, the order of surface temperature in different land use types is industrial, commercial, airport, residential, and park respectively. However, during the night time, the order is commercial, residential, park, industrial, and airport. Therefore, with appropriate land use planning, the urban heat island (UHI) could be mitigated.

From the planning point of view, the challenge for Singapore is the scarcity of land. Demand for land will continue to increase as the economy grows and population expands. The 2001 Concept Plan makes provisions for high value-added industries that will contribute more to Singapore’s economic growth. The plan has set aside sufficient land for industries in the future in spite of the land intensive nature of some of these industries.

French studies also says that land use may cut biofuel benefits. Factors such as the clearing of forests to grow crops could cut the emissions.

Natalie